So you’ve got the main course, but what the heck do you eat on the side? Instead of slaving away in the kitchen or resorting to unhealthy packaged products try one of these 15 minute healthy side dish recipes!
In my dream world, all meals could be cooked in one pot in under 15 minutes but unless air qualifies as dinner, that isn’t happening anytime soon.
When it comes to dinner, the sides are always the kicker. You can get your main meal on but then trying to pack in your carbs and greens ends up taking FOREVER. There are times when one-pot madness makes sense, but in my home stuffed chicken and baked salmon always calls for a healthy side. And preferably ones that don’t take up much room in the oven.
Lately I’ve found myself eating the same thing with every meal: sweet potato and kale salad. Don’t get me wrong, I love both of these foods but it’s nice to change it up every now and then. However, I have no intention of slaving away in the kitchen. So I dug into the archives and reached out to some of my blogging buds for some inspiration.
I’ve pulled together over 20 15 minute healthy side dish recipes that are packed full of nutrition, taste awesome and are super duper easy. I hope these inspired you to step out of your cooking zone and make some magic in the kitchen. Enjoy!
15 Minute Healthy Side Dish Recipes

Brussels Sprouts Salad with Grapefruit Vinaigrette from Sarah’s Cucina Bella
Cauliflower Rice from Tasting Page
Cauliflower Tabbouleh from The Healthy Maven
Charred Green Beans with Garlic and Pomegranate Seeds from The Healthy Maven
Coconut Pineapple Rice from Home Cooking Memories
Easy Cheesy Zucchini from Give Recipe
Garlicky Kale from Eating Bird Food
Grilled Asian Green Beans from Tasty Yummies
Grilled Pineapple Salad from The View from the Great Island
Grilled Sesame Ginger Bok Choy from The Healthy Maven
Kale Salad with Green Olives, Toasted Nuts and Feta Cheese from The Lemon Bowl
Lemon Basil Bean Salad from Edible Perspective
Lemon Ginger Asparagus with Toasted Almonds from The Healthy Maven
Maple Roasted Parsnip Fries from Bakeaholic Mama
Mediterranean Quinoa Salad from The Hummusapien
Orange Sesame Broccoli Salad from Fit Foodie Finds
Pear and Blue Cheese Roasted Brussels Sprouts from The Cookie Rookie
Pico de Gallo from Flavor Mosaic
Salt and Vinegar Brussels Sprout Chips from The Healthy Maven
Sautéed Corn with Tomatoes Feta and Basil from Spoonful of Flavor
Shaved Broccoli Salad with Apples and Bacon from The Roasted Root
Spicy Peanut Slaw from The Healthy Maven
Sweet Potato Mash with Curry from Food Faith Fitness
Swiss Chard Saute from Farm Fresh Feasts
Anyone else struggle with side dishes? What are your go-to easy side dish recipes? Feel free to leave some links in the comments!
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18 Comments
Tiff
March 6, 2015 at 9:41 amThanks for this. Everything I cook these days has to be quick quick quick! That bok choy looks fantastic!
Ang @ Nutty for Life
March 6, 2015 at 11:08 amYou posted this at the perfect time because sides are my arch nemesis. They’re always on the back burner for me, and I end up eating like, steamed broccoli at the last minute. #lame.
Davida Kugelmass
March 6, 2015 at 3:40 pmSame hurrrr. Or green pancakes…whatever!
Cassie
March 6, 2015 at 11:30 amThe cheesy zucchini and the cauliflower rice sound sooooo good!
Davida Kugelmass
March 6, 2015 at 3:34 pmright?! Can’t wait to try both of those!
Chelsea @ Chelsea's Healthy Kitchen
March 6, 2015 at 12:09 pmSide dishes are always where I struggle too. When I’m cooking for myself I swear I just have roasted sweet potatoes and broccoli on the side 99% of the time. But it can definitely get boring. Great ideas here!
Davida Kugelmass
March 6, 2015 at 3:35 pmI’m in the 99% too haha. But sweet taters never get old…EVER.
Chelsey
March 6, 2015 at 1:11 pmI love sides so much so this is amazing! 4 out of 5 nights I’ll have a smorgasbord of sides for dinner. Lately, spaghetti squash with marinara sauce has been calling my name and a meal just doesn’t seem like a meal without roasted sweet potatoes!
Davida Kugelmass
March 6, 2015 at 3:33 pmAgreed! Love my sweet taters. The best is the “pick your veggies” option at Westville. I could eat their veggie sides for daysssssss
Chelsey
March 6, 2015 at 3:59 pmThat’s exactly what I was thinking of, but wasn’t sure if you were familiar with it…my favorite!!!
Davida Kugelmass
March 6, 2015 at 7:40 pmTHE BEST!!! I legit miss it everyday haha. Go there for me!
Nicole @ Foodie Loves Fitness
March 6, 2015 at 2:57 pmYum, I need to give your grilled sesame ginger bok choy a try!
Davida Kugelmass
March 6, 2015 at 3:32 pmYes!!! I cannot wait for grilling season!!!
Kim
March 6, 2015 at 2:59 pmThanks for all the great side recipes in one place – I do struggle with choosing sides a lot!
Have a great time in Chicago!!
Davida Kugelmass
March 6, 2015 at 3:31 pmNow the hard part is going to be choosing from amongst this list haha. Just got back from Chicago actually! But off to Dublin next week 🙂
Ashley | Spoonful of Flavor
March 6, 2015 at 10:17 pmSide dishes are the best! I love this list and pinned it for later. Thank you so much for including my recipe!
Arman @ thebigmansworld
March 7, 2015 at 3:05 amPotatoes. My side of choice. Or main. Depending on the day/laziness.
I need the peanut slaw.
Alexis @ Hummusapien
March 7, 2015 at 2:27 pmI’m gonna pick 4 and bust them out in a hot 60 minutes. WEEE! Thanks for including me, love!